FARIBORZ AZHAKH – MASTERING HAPKIDO DVDS COLLECTION | Digital Download

All 1st Degree Black Belt requirements are encompassed in this series. Hapkido, a highly eclectic Korean martial art, employs joint locks, grappling, and throwing techniques akin to other martial arts. It includes kicks, punches, and striking attacks, as well as traditional weapon use, such as the knife, sword, rope, ssang juhl bong (nunchaku), cane (ji pang ee), short staff (dan bong), and medium-length staff and bo. Emphasis on these weapons varies depending on the specific tradition being studied.

Hapkido utilizes both long-range and close-range grappling techniques, employing leaping kicks and percussive hand strikes at longer distances and pressure point strikes, joint locks, and throws at closer grappling distances. Circular motion, force redirection, and opponent control are emphasized, with practitioners seeking advantage through strategic footwork and body positioning, employing leverage rather than brute force.

The art originated from Daito-ryu Aiki-jujutsu, as taught by Choi Yong-Sool upon his return to Korea after 30 years in Japan following World War II. Choi’s disciples later integrated kicking and striking techniques from indigenous and contemporary arts like Taekkyeon and Tang Soo Do, alongside throwing and ground grappling techniques from Japanese Judo.

Master Fariborz Azhakh Mini Biography

Every black belt recalls the moment martial arts became a passion. For me, it occurred at the age of eight when my brother took me to a Bruce Lee movie. Even now, I can vividly remember the emotions that washed over me as I watched the screen. In that instant, I fell deeply in love with the power of martial arts. However, it would take many years before I discovered the physical and spiritual paths to a black belt. Once I embarked on that journey, martial arts and the art of teaching became integral aspects of my life.

While Bruce Lee served as my initial inspiration, I faced years of frustration due to the absence of martial arts schools near my home. My dreams finally materialized when I moved to California and had the privilege of joining Steve Sexton’s Hapkido school in Canoga Park. Under Steve’s selfless guidance, I attained a black belt in 1981 and became an assistant instructor at the school. In the early years, I considered teaching a secondary pursuit, focusing primarily on my personal training. However, as I matured, I delved deeper into the spiritual and philosophical essence of martial arts, realizing the profound rewards of teaching. After some initial uncertainty, I made the decision to reshape my life entirely, guided by Steve Sexton’s advice.

I named my school the “Team Karate Center” to emphasize the importance of instructors and students working collaboratively as a team. This collaborative effort allows each student to discover and cultivate their “individual art” within the Hapkido traditions. I firmly believe that martial arts hold immense value for everyone, regardless of their inherent qualities or challenges. Therefore, our school’s core principles revolve around teamwork, involving teachers, instructors, students, and parents (for our younger students), to identify and nurture this value.

Currently, our school follows a multicultural approach rooted in function and utility. The core program focuses on traditional physical skills, emphasizing the development of individual responsibility and core character strengths. Advanced students are introduced to an extension of Hapkido I call Blend. My training philosophy has always been based on “thinking outside the box.” I developed Blend as a way to transition from style-based techniques to versatile, range-based frameworks, combining elements of Hapkido with aspects of Brazilian and Japanese jujitsu, American boxing, Wing Chun, and Filipino arts.

Throughout the past 20 years, my physical and spiritual growth has been shaped by remarkable individuals. I had the honor of studying under Grandmaster Ji Han Jae. I am deeply grateful to Master Steve Sexton and continue to expand my personal growth through the generosity of David Meyers (grappling) and Ron Balicki (Filipino Martial Arts: Trapping, Stick, and Knife Techniques).

As a teacher, I have always found learning to be an enjoyable and rewarding experience. I eagerly anticipate sharing this philosophy within the discipline and tradition of Hapkido, inspiring and motivating our school’s students and assistant instructors. I offer Blend’s multifaceted challenge to advanced students, providing a contemporary martial art full of vision.